Senate Bill 177 would allow certain
veterans to qualify for in-state tuition rates upon enrolling in one of
Indiana’s state colleges or universities. Currently, veterans serving out of
state or overseas can lose their in-state tuition eligibility upon returning to
Indiana. Under Banks’ bill, applicants would qualify regardless of whether they
are from Indiana or have lived here long enough to meet the school’s residency
requirements.

“Our veterans have
done so much to protect our country, and now it’s our turn to give back,” Banks
said. “As a state and nation, we must do more to care for our nation’s heroes
and provide the resources they need to build a home, family and civilian life
after their service. My hope is that by offering in-state tuition rates to
returning soldiers will open more opportunities for them to earn college
degrees – not only helping veterans who lived in Indiana prior to their
service, but also attracting hard-working veterans from other states to make
Indiana home.”

To qualify for the
proposed tuition benefit, veterans would be required to enroll in a state
college or university no later than 12 months after their discharge or
separation from the armed forces. They would then have to take steps to
establish Indiana residency within 12 months of enrollment.

SB 177 will now
head to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Rep. Jim Baird
(R-Greencastle) is its sponsor.

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